CAUSES

GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF IT

THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

What causes homelessness?

The Bay Area is home to some of the wealthiest and most expensive places to live in the world. In the shadow of this great wealth, thousands of people are homeless and many thousands more live below the poverty line on the verge of homelessness.

We know from talking with our Team Members and hearing their stories that there are many reasons people can become homeless: a traumatic event, loss of a job, the inability to pay for needed health-care, or a criminal background got in the way of finding a job.

How do people become homeless?

Top reasons people become homeless:

31% job loss

20% drugs or alcohol use

15% divorce or separation

13% an argument with a family member who asked them to leave

7% domestic violence

10% eviction

7% mental health

7% physical health or medical condition

12% incarceration

1% housing restrictions due to probation or parole

What could prevent homelessness?

When asked what would have prevented their homelessness, respondents reported:

34% employment assistance

31% rental assistance

28% drug or alcohol counseling

19% mental health services

How is homelessness defined?

Any person living in a temporary location, such as a shelter or a place not fit for human habitation (encampment, car, abandoned building, etc.), is considered homeless, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For the official federal definition click here.